UPDATE: 2 Reports in 3 Days of Women Being Stalked in Central Minnesota

Update as of 8/1/18:

This story originally reported an incident of a woman being attacked at a St. Cloud Walgreen's. After our newsroom followed up with the St. Cloud police, we found nothing was actually reported. You can read the newsroom story here.

But that doesn't mean things like that can't happen. Always be aware of your surroundings!

It's heartbreaking to think that getting a coffee, or running to Walgreen's by yourself is almost a risk behavior. Jodi's Network of Hope, a foundation set up in honor of missing Central MN woman Jodi Huisentruit, posted on Facebook today that in the past three days, there have been three reports of women being stalked by predators in Central Minnesota.

The first incident happened in Sartell as a woman was getting coffee. She was being watched and thankfully the employees noticed, and told her to wait until the predator was gone. The employees also made sure she got to her car safely.

The second incident happened in Long Prairie. A women was followed and approached by an elderly white man in a Chevy Traverse license plate ANU 194. He made an obscene offer, and she handled it appropriately. This man is a known creeper from the Osakis area, and will likely go to a neighboring town (like Sauk Centre or Browerville) now that locals are on the lookout.

The lesson is this: if you are somewhere alone and your instincts are telling you something isn't right, play it safe and smart. Ask for help getting to your car, call the non emergency police line before you leave where you are, and have a way to defend yourself. Self defense classes, pepper spray, a small taser, even perfume can be used in a pinch. Keep yourself, as well as your neighbors safe. If you see something, say something.